Biology subjects

Zhang, Y.-N.

Publications and source records attributed to Zhang, Y.-N..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Single-component multilayered self-assembling protein nanoparticles displaying extracellular domains of matrix protein 2 as a pan-influenza A vaccine

The development of a cross-protective pan-influenza A vaccine remains a significant challenge. In this study, we designed and evaluated single-component self-assembling protein nanoparticles (SApNPs) presenting the conserved extracellular domain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) as vaccine candidates against influenza A viruses. The SApNP-based vaccine strategy was first validated for human M2e (hM2e) and then applied to tandem repeats of M2e from human, avian and swine hosts (M2ex3). Vaccination with M2ex3 displayed on SApNPs demonstrated higher survival rates and lower weight loss compared to the soluble M2ex3 antigen against lethal challenges of H1N1 and H3N2 in mice. M2ex3 I3-01v9a SApNPs formulated with a squalene-based adjuvant were retained in the lymph node follicles over eight weeks and induced long-lived germinal center reactions. Notably, a single low dose of M2ex3 I3-01v9a SApNP formulated with a potent adjuvant, either a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist or a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist, conferred 90% protection against a lethal H1N1 challenge in mice. With the ability to induce robust and durable M2e-specific functional antibody and T cell responses, the M2ex3-presenting I3-01v9a SApNP provides a promising pan-influenza A vaccine candidate. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARYSingle-component self-assembling protein nanoparticles (SApNPs) displaying tandem M2e elicit robust and durable immunity that may protect against influenza A viruses of diverse origins.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2022

Single-component multilayered self-assembling protein nanoparticles presenting glycan-trimmed uncleaved prefusion optimized envelope trimers as HIV-1 vaccine candidates

Uncleaved prefusion-optimized (UFO) design can stabilize diverse HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Envs). Single-component, self-assembling protein nanoparticles (1c-SApNP) can display 8 or 20 trimeric antigens as multivalent vaccines. Here, we characterized the biophysical, structural, and antigenic properties of 1c-SApNPs that present the BG505 UFO trimer with wildtype and modified glycans. Trimming the glycan shield improved Env recognition by broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) to the CD4 binding site and other major glycan-containing epitopes. In mice, rabbits, and nonhuman primates, glycan trimming increased the frequency of vaccine responders (FVR) and steered antibody responses away from immunodominant glycan holes and glycan epitopes. The mechanism of vaccine-induced immunity was examined in mice. Compared with the soluble trimer, two large 1c-SApNPs showed 420 times longer retention, 20-32 times greater presentation on follicular dendritic cell dendrites, and up-to-4 times stronger germinal center reactions in lymph node follicles. These findings will inform the next phase of HIV-1 vaccine development. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARYGlycan trimming of HIV-1 Env immunogens improves the vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody responses in small animals and primates

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Mechanism of a COVID-19 nanoparticle vaccine candidate that elicits a broadly neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 variants

Vaccines that induce potent neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses against emerging variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are essential for combating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We demonstrated that mouse plasma induced by self-assembling protein nanoparticles (SApNPs) that present 20 rationally designed S2G{Delta}HR2 spikes of the ancestral Wuhan-Hu-1 strain can neutralize the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, and B.1.617 variants with the same potency. The adjuvant effect on vaccine-induced immunity was investigated by testing 16 formulations for the multilayered I3-01v9 SApNP. Using single-cell sorting, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with diverse neutralization breadth and potency were isolated from mice immunized with the receptor binding domain (RBD), S2G{Delta}HR2 spike, and SApNP vaccines. The mechanism of vaccine-induced immunity was examined in mice. Compared with the soluble spike, the I3-01v9 SApNP showed 6-fold longer retention, 4-fold greater presentation on follicular dendritic cell dendrites, and 5-fold stronger germinal center reactions in lymph node follicles. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARYWith a well-defined mechanism, spike nanoparticle vaccines can effectively counter SARS-CoV-2 variants.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2020

Aglycone polyether ionophores as broad-spectrum agents inhibit multiple enveloped viruses including SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and successfully cure JEV infected mice

Infections with zoonotic viruses, such as flaviviruses, influenza virus, and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic coronavirus constitute an increasing global risk. Hence, an urgent need exists for the development of broad-spectrum antivirals to prevent such outbreaks. Here, we show that the maduramycin and CP-80,219 aglycone polyether ionophores exhibit effective broad-spectrum antiviral activity, against various viruses, including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), while also exhibiting promising activity against PR8 influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, liposome-encapsulated maduramycin and CP-80,219 provide full protection for mice from infection with JEV in vivo. Mechanistic studies suggest that aglycone polyether ionophores primarily inhibit the viral replication step without blocking endosome acidification to promote the fusion between viral and cellular membranes. The successful application of liposomes containing aglycone polyether ionophores in JEV-infected mice offers hope to the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs like penicillin back to 1940s.

microbiology↗