mRNA-encoded HIV-1 Env trimer ferritin nanoparticles induce monoclonal antibodies that neutralize heterologous HIV-1 isolates in mice

Cell Rep. 2022 Mar 15;38(11):110514. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110514.

Abstract

The success of nucleoside-modified mRNAs in lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNP) as COVID-19 vaccines heralded a new era of vaccine development. For HIV-1, multivalent envelope (Env) trimer protein nanoparticles are superior immunogens compared with trimers alone for priming of broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) B cell lineages. The successful expression of complex multivalent nanoparticle immunogens with mRNAs has not been demonstrated. Here, we show that mRNAs can encode antigenic Env trimers on ferritin nanoparticles that initiate bnAb precursor B cell expansion and induce serum autologous tier 2 neutralizing activity in bnAb precursor VH + VL knock-in mice. Next-generation sequencing demonstrates acquisition of critical mutations, and monoclonal antibodies that neutralize heterologous HIV-1 isolates are isolated. Thus, mRNA-LNP can encode complex immunogens and may be of use in design of germline-targeting and sequential boosting immunogens for HIV-1 vaccine development.

Keywords: HIV-1; broadly neutralizing antibodies; knock-in mice; lipid nanoparticles; mRNA; mRNA-LNP; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Vaccines*
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • Epitopes
  • Ferritins / genetics
  • HIV Antibodies
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Liposomes
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles*
  • RNA, Messenger
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / genetics

Substances

  • AIDS Vaccines
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Epitopes
  • HIV Antibodies
  • Lipid Nanoparticles
  • Liposomes
  • RNA, Messenger
  • env Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
  • Ferritins